Cloud Vortex over the Red Rocks

A landscape of Sedona's red rocks with a swirling vortex of clouds overhead. This image was constructed from a total of 5 photos merged together in HDR or High Dynamic Range. Four photos at different exposure levels were taken of the landscape to create the colors and contrasts. A separate photo of an overhead rotating supercell storm was taken to create the vortex. The storm is real and this rotation effect is the sign of a possible tornado forming in the storm. Tornadoes in Arizona are very rare with an average of 3 to 5 per year. Most of them fissle out before touching the ground because the mountainous landscape makes it hard for them to keep their shape. But these partial funnel clouds can be quite common.

Deep Desert Photography & Digital Art

I grew up in Michigan but moved to Arizona in 1995 to escape the cold winters. During much of my adult life I had a secret passion for art. In 2003 I got my first computer and discovered digital art and photography. By 2006 I had learned enough to go into the professional realm and have not looked back.